It’s great for Common Ground to help our trainees learn job skills that are recognized in the U.S., navigate the employment maze and simply converse in our unique American form of English. We are fairly driven by the longing to help those with the least among us become financially independent and flourish in our community.

But there is something each and every Boisean can do. We can see our international refugee population as people, as potential friends, as human beings with hidden treasure to be uncovered. Sometimes it takes a little effort to climb over the language barrier. Sometimes it takes a little patience to wade through the sea of shyness years in a refugee camp may have created. Sometimes a single kind word unlocks  the door to a beautiful new friendship.

My heart was crushed the other day when a friend, who has been enjoying a friendship with a gentle Burmese couple, shared a conversation they had. The Burmese dad, who was a pastor in his country and in the refugee camp, was explaining about day-to-day life here for them. Talking about grocery shopping, he said sadly that people seem to try not to get too close to them. “They think we are dirty,” he said sadly.  I wanted to cry.  Most people probably don’t think they are dirty, but that’s the conclusion a seasoned Burmese pastor came to. It is our natural tendency to give someone who is “different” a wide berth. But the message it sends can be discouraging.

When you hear someone speaking in a different language or see someone dressed differently, perhaps you could take a moment to give them a smile, say a cheery good morning, simply see them. Hey! maybe we should just do this with everyone…the world could use a few extra smiles these days.